Vision Engineering Solutions LLC, Plasmonics Inc. Win 4th Annual Sikorsky Innovations Entrepreneurial Challenge Competition

Orlando, Fla. --- Two Orlando technology companies---Vision Engineering Solutions LLC and Plasmonics Inc.---were named winners of the 4th Annual Sikorsky Innovations Entrepreneurial Challenge Competition recently. Both firms are client companies of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program near the UCF campus. Ed Logue, chief executive officer of Vision Engineering Solutions, said the two companies shared proprietary technologies to develop the novel laser warning and attribution system that won the competition. “There is a growing problem of aircraft in flight being illuminated by lasers from the ground. These illuminations can cause pilot disorientation, eye injury, and even an aircraft crash. Our system, the Laser Detection and Attribution System (LDAS), will detect laser illuminations, warn the aircrew, and provide the location of where the laser is coming from. LDAS will greatly improve the protection of aircrews and aircraft from laser illuminations, and lead to significant reductions in the harmful or deadly effects,” Logue explained. Nathan Post, chief operations officer at Plasmonics, said the collaborative companies were uniquely positioned to turn a bright idea into a marketable---and award-winning---technology. Plasmonics specializes in infrared technologies. The firm is primarily engaged in research, design and fabrication of thermal management materials for satellites and profile detection cameras for long range perimeter security, Post explained. Vision Engineering Solutions focuses on modeling and simulation, sensor design and fabrication, optical design and testing, and a range of field data collection and data analysis areas. Its PASS System is already marketed to defense contractors to protect satellites, personnel and assets from inadvertent illumination by lasers. Sikorsky is a United Technologies Company that specializes in aircraft and aerospace services. Sikorsky created their Entrepreneurial Challenge to stimulate the advancement of innovators with concepts pertaining to the vertical flight field.